The Podcast by Chalhoub Group

Episode 36: Stories from Our Stores

Episode Summary

Stories from Our Stores / #36 / A new season brings new conversations. And today, we journey into the real soul of luxury retail. What makes a luxury shopping experience unforgettable? How do today’s top fashion leaders balance operational excellence, storytelling, and a deeply personal connection with clients? To explore these questions, Lynn Al Khatib, VP of Communications at Chalhoub Group, sits down with Omar Javed, Senior Store Manager at Ferragamo. With a distinguished career across Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, PRADA, and now Ferragamo, Omar shares powerful insights on leadership, customer loyalty, emerging trends, and how luxury retail is evolving in the digital age without losing its human heart.

Episode Notes

“Stories from Our Store”

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling and emotional connection are the foundations of luxury retail success.
• AI and digital tools enhance efficiency but cannot replace human intuition and trust.
• Personalised service, body language reading, and emotional intelligence drive client loyalty.
• Ferragamo’s bold reinvention is capturing a new generation of fashion lovers across the GCC and beyond.
• Retail leaders must combine passion, creativity, and empathy to succeed in the evolving luxury landscape.

Topics Covered:

       1. The Role of a Store Manager in Luxury Fashion

• Leading with passion, inspiring teams, and balancing targets with client focus.

       2. Unforgettable Customer Stories

• Moments of emotional connection, trust-building, and unforgettable shopping memories.

       3. How Digital & AI are Changing Fashion Retail

• Where technology supports luxury, and whhere it can never replace human advisors.

       4. Trends Defining the Future of Fashion Stores

• Individuality, sustainability, hybrid retail expriences, and experiential shopping.

       5. Advice for Aspiring Fashion Retail Leaders

• Career insights, leadership skills, and tips for building a future in fashion retail.

Host:
Lynn Al-Khatib, VP of Communications at Chalhoub Group

Guest:
Omar Javed, Senior Store Manager at Ferragamo